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How to prepare for storms

There is a ton of talk right now with Hurricane Irma and September is also preparedness month. So our blogs will focus on things you can to do prepare for a hurricane or any type of large storm that can effect you (since we are in NE Ohio not a lot of hurricane threats).

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Start with an easy to carry, watertight container – a large, plastic trash can will do, or you can line a sturdy cardboard box with a couple of trash bags. Next, gather the following items and place them in your kit:

In floods how to preserve documents

In large storms or any type of water flood in your home theres a few things you can do to protect important documents.

First and foremost use zip lock bags. They will protect documents from water. You can keep anything you deep important in these and just use them from the bags. This way you're prepared if an unexpected flood occurs.

If a storm is coming you can use your dishwasher for important documents. Your dishwater will not let water inside of it and because it is attached to cabinets it is less likely to be destroyed in events like tornadoes or hurricanes.

Some items to consider storing are:

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Driver's license, photo ID

Emergency contact list or address book (even if contacts are stored in a smartphone)

Lead

“If your home was built before 1978, there is a good chance it has lead-based paint. In 1978, the federal government banned consumer uses of lead-containing paint, but some states banned it even earlier. Lead from paint, including lead-contaminated dust, is one of the most common causes of lead poisoning.

· Lead paint is still present in millions of homes, sometimes under layers of newer paint. If the paint is in good shape, the lead paint is usually not a problem. Deteriorating lead-based paint (peeling, chipping, chalking, cracking, damaged, or damp) is a hazard and needs immediate attention.

· It may also be a hazard when found on surfaces that children can chew or that get a lot of wear-and-tear, such as:

o Windows and window sills

o Doors and door frames

o Stairs, railings, banisters, and porches

· Be sure to keep all paint in excellent shape and clean up dust frequently. Lead in household dust results from indoor sources such as deteriorating lead-based paint.

· Lead dust can also be tracked into the home from soil outside that is contaminated by deteriorated exterior lead-based paint and other lead sources, such as industrial pollution and past use of leaded gasoline.

· Renovation, repair or painting activities can create toxic lead dust when painted surfaces are disturbed or demolished.

· Pipes and solder — Lead is used in some water service lines and household plumbing materials. Lead can leach, or enter the water, as water flows through the plumbing. Lead pipes and lead solder were commonly used until 1986. “

Hurricane Harvey

Although we are not in Texas our thoughts are with those effected by the Hurricane.

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Houston is being inundated with "unprecedented" devastating flooding after ferocious Hurricane Harvey set in over southeast Texas this weekend, dumping torrential rain on the city, with no end in sight.

Heavy rain bands are expected to continue to move in over Houston overnight, which will continue the catastrophic and life-threatening flash-flood emergency in the area.

The flooding comes after the hurricane left at least three people dead after it bashed the Texas coast. Buildings and parts of communities are submerged and, in Houston, there were more than 1,000 calls for rescues and people were forced to their rooftops."

How to drive in a flood

There are floods right now in Southwest Florida. Floods can happen here in Ohio too. There are somethings to keep in mind in case of a flood here in Ohio (or if you are traveling in an area that floods!)

This is a great reminder about driving through water after a disaster:

“After a storm, many roads may be flooded. Avoid driving through these areas, especially when the water is moving fast. Drownings can result from driving through water. In fact, as little as six inches of water may cause you to lose control of your vehicle, and as little as two feet of water will carry most cars away.” (Source: http://www.cdc.gov/disasters/psa/driving.html).

SERVPRO of Beachwood, Shaker Heights, Cleveland Heights at 216-464-4498….here to help! Let our professional team do the cleanup with the proper procedures to keep you, your home or company safe.

What is a flood cut?

What is a flood cut? Removing the bottom 12-24 inches of drywall in a flood affected room.

Examples of why we flood cut:

· If we detect there is wet insulation

· The water is contaminated from the sewage or other storm related contaminates

· If any microbial growth is detected

After the lower wall portions are removed, any studs or framing are thoroughly cleaned and disinfected. Once the walls are completely dried out new insulations can easily be installed and the finalization of the build back can continue.

Some of our steps:

The water removal process begins almost immediately and removes the majority of the water. We use powerful pumps and vacuum units to quickly remove hundreds or thousands of gallons from your property, which helps prevent secondary water damage and mold growth.

We use specialized equipment to remove the remaining water that is harder to access. Our Professionals will use room measurements, temperature, and relative humidity to determine the optimal number of air movers and dehumidifiers needed to dry your home or business.

How we fix water damage PART ONE!

When water damage happens you should call SERVPRO of Beachwood, Shaker Heights, Cleveland Heights! 216-464-4498.. but you may wonder.. what exactly do we do? Here is step 1!

"Structure and contents

When working within a residence, it is often the case that those who are performing the water damage restoration must work with and around the contents of the home. This includes, but is not limited to, furniture, electronics, books, and any other materials that may have been affected by the water damage. The moving around of the said contents is often referred to "contents manipulation." Water damage restoration firms often bill content manipulation on a per hour basis.

Contents may also require treatment due to the effects of water damage. This may include, but is not limited to, sterilization, sanitization, deodorization, drying, and storage of said contents. Other contents may simply be unsalvageable, or the cost of having them salvaged would exceed its current value."

How we fix water damage PART TWO!

You may be wondering what comes next? After we assess the damage, remove any contents, treat any material being left etc. The next step in the process is called Monitoring. What exactly is that? Read below!

"After the water has been extracted and any non-salvageable materials have been removed, water damage professionals should place drying equipment according to industry guidelines for capacity in the affected areas. Industry standards state that drying vendors should return to the residence at regular time intervals, preferably every twenty-four hours, to monitor the equipment, temperature, humidity, and moisture content of the affected walls, contents, or other affected materials. Should one area be dry and another affected area still wet, the firm will relocate or remove equipment accordingly."

The source of this information (and further reading) can be found: by clicking here

If your home or business floods.. give us a call to do the work for you. We are professionals trained to specifically clean up after water damage! SERVPRO of Beachwood, Shaker Heights, Cleveland Heights 216-464-4498

How we fix water damage PART THREE!

After the stage called 'Monitoring' the next phase is the completion phase.

"Completion

Once temperature, humidity, and moisture content are deemed acceptable according to industry standards, drying equipment is removed and the drying process is complete. There are defining criteria and methods to be used for assessing water damage and establishing restoration procedures, but because of the unique circumstances of every water damage restoration project, it is impractical to issue blanket rules that apply to every situation. In extenuating circumstances, deviation from standard practices is appropriate."

Why call us for your business damage?

Here at SERVPRO of Beachwood, Shaker Heights, Cleveland Heights we can help if your business or commercial property floods. You may be wondering why you would need us. Sometimes the damage of water is not as simple and just cleaning up the water. Call us 24/7/365 216-464-4498

"Though the water seepage will stop once the source of water has been identified and plugged, the problem does not end there. It is essential to determine the appropriate water extraction method, which may range from the use of a wet-dry vac unit to more heavy duty equipment like submersible pumps. Once this has been completed, the process of drying and dehumidification should start. Oftentimes, affected surfaces and areas look dry once the water has been extracted and removed, but there remains hidden water and moisture. This would call for the use of drying and dehumidifying equipment. As such, carpets, walls, and flooring require removal, drying, cleaning, and disinfecting."